LOCAL politicians have condemned graffiti with sectarian connotations that has appeared in areas of Enniskillen recently.

Two bi-lingual signs in the Crannog Way area of the town were vandalised, with the Irish translation of the placename painted over in black. This has subsequently been cleaned away.

The tag, ‘PSNIRA’, has also appeared on an electrical power station near the Derrychara link road.

Commenting on the ‘PSNIRA’ vandalism, Enniskillen Sinn Fein Councillor Tommy Maguire said: “It’s certainly a new piece of graffiti; it’s unusual.

“I believe it’s a Loyalist expression of discontent in relation to some of the things that were happening across the North, but thankfully not happening in our district, where they were showing their disaffection for the PSNI.”

When asked if this type of graffiti appearing in Enniskillen concerns him, especially due to his belief that it could be related to “Loyalist disaffection for the PSNI”, Councillor Maguire said: “We’re aware that there is a small cohort of people that respond to some of the more extreme Loyalist activity for the north east in relation to the erection of the [banner] for ‘Soldier F’ a few years ago.

“[There was a] large banner there, which was thankfully removed,” said Councillor Maguire, calling the erection of the banner “an unfortunate incident” that was “not truly reflective of the thoughts of the majority of the people in this area”.

He continued: “The branding of Enniskillen as a ‘Loyalist’ or a ‘Unionist’ town is not very accurate, nor is it welcome.

“In normal non-Pandemic times, we would expect visitors from all over the world, never mind from all over Ireland,” he added.

Noting that the graffiti of bi-lingual signs in the Crannog Way area of Enniskillen is a “recurring theme”, Councillor Maguire said: “It happens quite regularly out there, probably because of the position of the signs in that end of the town. Again, it’s unfortunate.”

Also condemning such acts of sectarian vandalism, Enniskillen DUP Councillor Keith Elliott said: “I certainly do not want to see destruction or damage to public property, and I would urge those who have carried out this graffiti to stop. It upsets the community, and can create fear.

“I understand there is frustration from some sections of the community. In relation to the Irish street signs, my party was very clear in the Council chamber that we thought the new Council policy change, proposed by Sinn Fein, was divisive and would set community relations back.

“There is, however, no place for criminal damage or graffiti.”

Enniskillen Cross-Community Labour Alternative (CCLA) Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh said “all graffiti is unacceptable – political graffiti, in particular”, adding: “I’m glad it was got rid of, because it is divisive.”

Alliance party representative for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Matt Beaumont, who has been raising attention to the graffiti issue in Enniskillen via his social media accounts said: “It is so disappointing to see these signs graffitied, especially with the sectarian elements in what has been written.

“I call on anyone with information on those behind it to contact police with it. Should that not be possible, I am always available via social media and email, and would encourage you to let me help.”